Belonging A/P

Print Method: GicléeA/P Edition: 8Released: May 2009

Growing up in the Comox Valley, I often think of it as the most beautiful place on earth. We sometimes live a sheltered life here and focus on our immediate surroundings: the beauty of the mountains, the rivers, the beaches.... We often think of bad things taking place half a world away. Sometimes we forget that they are also happening in our own back yard. Racial slurs, homophobic taunts and hate-based incidents happen all the time here. Some of us are guilty of actually perpetuating this behaviour—either through contributing directly to its existence or turning a blind eye when it does happen. It is time that we put an end to this. It is time that we look to our neighbours and acknowledge that they belong to our community as much as we do.

The Comox Valley has great diversity marked by differences in culture, religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, differential abilities, age groups, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses. This diversity makes our community not only vibrant and alive, but can also lead to fractures and fissures between neighbours. We need to mend these tears through understanding and acceptance. We must build a community that is strong because of diversity, not in spite of it.

In “Belonging,” I chose the rainbow to represent the diversity of people in the Comox Valley. The seven colours of the visible spectrum weave in and out, touching one another at numerous points. This illustrates the journey towards belonging that we, as a community, must face. Along the path are three watchmen representing the Three Pillars of Action that we can use to combat discrimination: Awareness, Prevention and Response. Through concerted efforts to foster understanding and acceptance, we will reach a community of belonging.

“Belonging” was created to commemorate the signing of the Critical Incident Response Protocol at the K’omoks First Nation bighouse on May 29, 2009.

"Belonging” is a limited edition print using the giclée method of printmaking. This print was released in May of 2009 and printed by Andy Everson at the artist’s own studio in Comox B.C. A total of 89 prints bear the title “Belonging” and are signed by Andy Everson: 80 in the primary edition bearing the numbers 1/80 through 80/80; 8 Artist’s Proofs; and 1 Printer’s Proof. The acid-free Moab Entrada 100% cotton rag paper measures 17x17.25 inches. Image size measures about 16x16 inches.